The 2026 season proved to be a demanding one for the Los Angeles Dodgers, as the team grappled with an extensive list of player absences. This article serves as a comprehensive record, meticulously detailing each instance where a player was sidelined, whether due to injury, paternity leave, bereavement, or family medical emergencies. Following patterns from previous seasons where the Dodgers frequently saw a large number of players on the injured list, the 2026 campaign once again underscored the importance of team depth and resilience in navigating a challenging schedule.
Throughout the 2026 season, the Dodgers managed a constantly evolving roster as players moved on and off the injured list. This continuous fluctuation necessitated regular updates to their 40-man roster, reflecting the team's ongoing efforts to maintain competitive strength despite various setbacks. The duration of these absences varied, with pitchers typically requiring a minimum of 15 days for recovery, while position players generally spent at least 10 days on the sidelines.
The season commenced with significant roster adjustments during spring training, as Evan Phillips and Kiké Hernández were placed on the 60-day injured list, creating immediate vacancies on the 40-man roster. By opening day, the injury woes deepened with Blake Snell and Tommy Edman joining the growing list of sidelined players, further challenging the team's early-season prospects.
Notable movements on and off the injured list marked the season. Will Smith was sidelined with neck inflammation, eventually being moved to the 60-day list. Tyler Glasnow dealt with lower back spasms, while Blake Treinen faced right elbow inflammation. Other pitchers, including Brock Stewart, Ben Casparius, and Brusdar Graterol, also contended with various shoulder issues, with Graterol undergoing back surgery in late May. Blake Snell experienced further setbacks with elbow issues requiring surgery, and Jake Cousins underwent Tommy John surgery, with an expected return mid-season.
Position players also faced their share of absences. Mookie Betts was out for 32 games due to an oblique strain, making a return in May after two rehab games. Edwin Díaz, a relief pitcher, spent 86 games recovering from right elbow surgery. Tommy Edman's season included 73 games off for right ankle surgery, while Kiké Hernández had two separate stints on the injured list, first for left elbow surgery and later for a left oblique strain. Freddie Freeman's absence was for paternity leave, welcoming his daughter, showcasing the diverse reasons players were temporarily unavailable.
The Dodgers' 2026 season was characterized by a persistent battle against player absences, mirroring the high numbers seen in 2024 and 2025. This constant rotation of players on the injured list and other leave categories highlighted the critical need for a deep and adaptable roster. Each transaction, from spring training placements to mid-season activations, played a pivotal role in shaping the team's dynamics and strategic decisions throughout the demanding season.
